Badnews Rising
VizzTone, 2021
8/10
Though this is the 3rd album from Chris Barnes on the VizzTone label, it’s actually his first of all original material, and he teamed up with the Grammy winner Tom Hambridge as producer and drummer, as well as Kevin McKendree (piano, organ), Tommy MacDonald (bass) and Pat Buchanan (guitar, harmonica) for the 10 diverse tunes.
Barnes starts the album with the cautious and bluesy “You Wanna Rock? You Gotta Learn The Blues”, where calm keys and light drumming erupt into a thick and hazy delivery with Barnes both singing and talking, and “When Koko Came To Town” follows with a lively and dense display of bright brass, crisp drumming and spirited guitar work amid the festive climate.
Closer to the middle, “My Baby Be Cray Cray Cray” bounces with an infectious energy that will certainly get your body swaying to the timeless blue rock, while “I Slow Danced With Joni Mitchell” could soundtrack a slow dance with anyone, as Barnes enters soulful balladry. “Kettleblack” then goes the opposite direction with a grungy, thumping rocker that meshes power, grit and melody into the album highlight.
The final 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where “Texas Weiner” recruits strategic backing vocals in the playful retro mood, and “I Like Cleavage” exits the listen with the horns front and center, and the finisher is actually more about the country’s current division just as much as it is anatomy.
Barnes has a lengthy and esteemed career in TV for his work on shows like Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock and Carol Burnett, and this first rate solo blues record adds another accomplishment in his creative endeavors, where no shortage of rhythm, wit and memorableness is present and appreciated.
Travels well with: Hector Anchondo- Let Loose Those Chains; Gabe Stillman- Just Say The Word